Who Do You Tell First? Here's the Engagement Announcement Order

The second he slips that ring on your finger, the only natural instinct is to climb to your roof and shout to the world, "I'm engaged!" But making screaming proclamations — or mass posts on social media — is not the best way to announce your engagement. Rather, there's a respectful order you should follow. Here it is, in order of first to last.

1. Your children.

Whether you'll be walking down the aisle a second time or your soon-to-be-husband has children from a previous relationship, telling your or his (or both) sets of kids is your first priority. After all, their lives are likely the most impacted by your happy news.

2. Your parents.

Mom and Dad, as well as your soon-to-be in-laws, are your next stop on the engagement announcement list. Consider telling them in person, together, over dinner so you can watch the excitement spread across their faces.

Each BFF deserves an in-person or phone call notification that you've decided to tie the knot. Some might immediately begin peppering you with wedding-planning questions — such as whether they can be your bridesmaid — but try to keep the conversation focused only on the good news at hand.

4. Your co-workers.

That includes your boss, who'll appreciate the heads-up that you'll be taking your lunches at florist shops and local venues for the foreseeable future.